Detroit's defense hasn't been good in a while, but they had a lot of good news on Monday. First, Pro Bowl DT Shaun Rogers won't have any charges filed against him from a complaint filed last month. Rogers went to the Pro Bowl in 2004 and 2005, but his 2006 season was derailed by a suspension for violating the NFL's steroid policy. Obviously having his main focus back on football is a big help to Detroit. Second, they signed their franchise player, DT Cory Redding, to a monster 7 year contract. He becomes the highest paid tackle in the NFL, which seems like too much since he really only had one good season (2006) and might have to move to defensive end at some point, but Detroit needs more good young players like him, not fewer, so they had to keep him.
In 24 hours, Detroit when from having huge question marks surrounding both defensive tackles to having no problems coming into training camp. They are counting heavily on their improved defensive line with free agent DE Dewayne White, a full season from Rogers and Redding, plus rookie 2nd round pick DE Ikaika Alama-Francis. The defensive line won't carry them to the division crown in 2007 by themselves, but they are looking a little bit better today.